SET DOSA|SPONGE DOSA|POHA & BLACK GRAM DOSA

Set dosa and vadacury-The favourite combo of my dad and my son.I have tried several versions of set dosa and this one gives the best taste and the dosa is so fluffy and spongy with no soda/eno added.This recipe is my guest post for Shravs Kitchen.Hope you remember her recipe of Mushroom Thoran-An authentic Kerela recipe with mushrooms.Thank you Swathy for honouring with an opportunity to write a guest post.

APPLE SAUCE/PUREE FOR BABIES-How to steam cook fruits/vegetables for baby food?

Apple is one of the first baby foods suggested universally.An apple a day definitely keeps doctor away and it is really a good habit to have an apple a day as such. Now that the use of preservatives/pesticides are more it is better to peel skin and then consume apple.Today’s post will explain in detail about making apple sauce or steaming cooking a fruit or vegetable.

HOME MADE DATES SYRUP-NATURAL SWEETENER FOR BABY & TODDLER FOODS

I am becoming a home made maniac said my friends when I shared this to them during my first attempt. I made an attempt of this when I read the recipe in Aval Kitchen.But the process took some time and I was not satisfied with the process.I kept trying for better processes and especially a way to use the pulpy/fiber part which is discarded in the process.And finally I did it!Stay tuned to know what is that other dish :). This recipe is 200% better than what is sold in markets.

HOME MADE COCONUT MILK-How to make coconut milk?

When I was discussing on writing a recipe for coconut milk ,my family members were not too convinced to give a post dedicated to it.I then explained to them that even these come in ready made packets and one of my friends had shared that using ready made shredded coconut or coconut milk has so many ill effects to human body including obesity and infertility due to those preservatives..There is one more reason behind sharing this recipe.Recently when I had met my brother in a family function he was quoting that coconut milk is ranked next to breast milk in terms of nutrition.It is extremely nutritious and healthy as per his doctor.

Eggless Whole Wheat Oats Banana Cake-Without Oven

Tomorrow is Christmas and I am sure all of you are done with your preparations.To add few more recipes to my Christmas collection I had requested my good old school friend Ishwarya Shanmugam to help me with a guest post.She readily accepted it and gave me an awesome recipe in no time.We have known each other for 20+ years and she is a good friend of mine.In fact she is one of the great reasons behind my blogs.She helped me in all possible ways to begin this and always keep encouraging me.She is a versatile and extremely multi-talented person since childhood and now she is doing a lovely job in her space https://ishwaryawrites.wordpress.com. Go through this space and you will know that my words are very true. With no more words I am handing over the space to my beloved friend.THANKS A BUNCH for this recipe and always being supportive dear.

AMLA/GOOSE BERRY RICE|NELLIKKAI SADHAM

Amla/Gooseberry/Nellikkai is the tiniest berry known to humans which is a store house of all possible nutrients.It is the most powerful rejuvenating agent known to mankind.Mom and grandmom makes amla juice,amla buttermilk,pickle,candies,murabba and this amla rice is my favourite. Amla is said to have 5 out of the 6 tastes. It is rich in Vitamin C and an AMLA a day will definitely keep you away from seasonal infections.I prefer this form of amla intake for babies than all the above. Let us see in detail about the benefits of this miracle fruit after checking out the recipe.

Ingredients:

• Indian Gooseberry-3
• Peanut/Groundnut-1/4 cup
• Shallots-1/2 cup(chopped)
• Cooked rice-1 cup
• Green Chilly-3
• Oil-To cook
• Salt-To taste

To temper:

• Mustard-1/4 tsp
• Urad dhal-1/4 tsp
• Channa dhal-1/4 tsp
• Curry leaves

Procedure:

1.Cook rice and fluff it up with a fork and set it aside.

2.Wash goose berries and grate it well.

3.Chop shallots and green chillies.

4.Heat a pan and dry roast the peanuts.

5.Cool them and peel the skin and set them aside.

6.In the same pan,add oil and temper with mustard seeds,urad dhal,green chillies,channa dhal and curry leaves.

7.Now add the chopped shallots and saute well.

8.When they turn soft add the grated amla/gooseberry.

9.Saute till they turn non-sticky and add the roasted peanuts when you are about to switch off.

10.Mix them well and let it cool.

11.Add salt and the mixture to rice and mix well evenly.

12.Serve it with any deep fry.

---

 

P.S:

Adjust green chillies as per your choice.

You can skip peanuts for babies.

Skip salt and green chilles for babies below one year.

Please have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food to your baby.

This can be given from 6 months but do consider your family history of allergies and also consult your doctor.

This can be an excellent healthy option for lunch box menu and travel menu.

Hope you find this recipe healthy and interesting.Do write your valuable feedback as comments so that I shall improve.Please do not forget to stay tuned with me by following by blog here and liking my facebook page at www.facebook.com/KitchenKathukutty  or follow me on Twitter. Do share this with your kith and kin. Do feel free to write to at kitchenkathukutty@gmail.com for any queries

---

 

Health benefits of Amla/Indian Gooseberry:

It is high in Vitamin C and it is known for improving immunity and helps you fight all infections.

It protects your liver ,heart and digestive system.

It is a very good laxative and it cures diarrhoea,gastric problems,burning sensation.

It improves protein metabolism.

Amla helps in nutrient absorption to a great extent.

It improves digestion as it has lot of fibres.

The Vitamin C content helps in absorption and assimilation of iron.

It improves appetite and aids in digestion too.

It regulates the urinary system.

Avoid amla if you are hypoglcemic

 

 

RED POHA UPMA|VEGETABLE AVAL UPMA|FLATTENED/BEATEN RICE UPMA

Red poha/flattened rice/aval/beaten rice is one of the quickest and healthiest ingredient which can be a part of your snack/breakfast/dinner. Mom and grandmother makes many varieties out of poha. Red poha halwa/red poha sweet pongal was one such recipe and now it is a 15 minute quick and healthy breakfast. This can be an excellent finger food .This will just melt in mouth as I have used thin variety. You can also use thick and white ones.

Introducing Solids to babies-Do’s & Don’ts

The journey of motherhood is always exciting and your baby keeps surprising you continuously. Each phase of this journey is important and the most confusing phase for most of the mothers is weaning/introducing solids/complementary feeding. Weaning is defined as introduction of any food(including formula) other than mother’s milk to babies.Weaning is also called as complementary feeding because it is mandatory that breastfeed/formula feed should be the primary source of food till one year and solids should be just add-ons.

 

Pumpkin Halwa|Poosanikkai Halwa|Kaddu Ka Halwa

Hello everybody,Hope this post is finding each of you in good health and high spirits. I am extremely sorry about the unannounced long gap. Due to certain unavoidable circumstances I couldn’t access my space. Thanks for your continual support. I thought my come back recipe should be a sweet recipe and I have chosen this. One of my neighbours had a huge pumpkin at home and she was wondering on dishes to be made. I volunteered to help her with recipes of khicicdi/gothsu,halwa,kheer apart from usual stir fry,kootu and sambhar. One fine evening we started preparing this halwa and in no time it was ready and it melted in everybody’s tummy. The guests at my neighbours place were very happy having it. Hence a happy Kitchen Kathukutty too :). I remember promising few of the readers with this recipe long back,and here you go.

Instant rasam with home made rasam powder

I had posted rasam powder made at home yesterday. Now I am with the recipe of easy rasam with the home made powder. All that you need is few minutes. Rasam is an essential and must have dish in our family lunch. Rasam is an easy and quick recipe which helps in digestion,building immunity and it serves best when you are sick. It aids in quick recovery of cold,cough and fever. The spices added gives an excellent flavour and helps in flushing the phelgm during cold and congestion. Serve it luke warm.

Ingredients:

• Rasam Powder-1 tbsp
• Tomato-1
• Garlic-5
• Turmeric Powder-1/4 tsp
• Salt-To taste
• Oil-To cook
• To temper:
• Red chilly-1
• Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
• Urad dhal-1/4 tsp
• Curry leaves
• Coriander leaves -To garnish

Procedure:

1.Add oil in a pan and temper.

2.In the meantime grind garlic and half of tomato into a fine paste.

3.Add the remaining tomato and saute well.

4.Add the paste and stir well.

5.Pour some water and let it boil.

6.Now add turmeric powder and rasam powder.

7.Add salt and mix well.

8.When it begins to boil,switch off and garnish with coriander leaves.

---

P:S:

This can be offered after eight months to babies.

Skip salt and red chilly for babies below one year

You can mix this with dal rice and offer your baby or give the watery part as soup.

Please consult your doctor before introducing any new food to your baby.

Confused about how and when to add spices to baby food? Please read details here

---

Check other rasam recipes here

Coriander Garlic Rasam

Instant garlic rasam

Pineapple Rasam

Do you like my recipe? If yes please do not forget to stay tuned with me by following by blog here and liking my facebook page at www.facebook.com?KitchenKathukutty. Do share this with your kith and kin. Do feel free to write to at kitchenkathukutty@gmail.com for any queries

1.

HOME MADE RASAM POWDER|RASAM POWDER/MASALA/PODI RECIPE

When I had posted home made sambhar powder many were keenly writing to me asking for rasam powder. As winter/rainy season is approaching and climate keeps varying very frequently including rasam in daily diet helps you improving immunity and also digestion. I have the habit of making various versions of rasam based on availability of ingredients daily.Rasam for babies can be given after 8 months. You can either provide this like a soup or mix with rice or mix with dal rice and offer your little one. Here is the quick recipe of rasam powder. I shall soon post rasam recipe with this powder. I have already posted coriander garlic rasam and pineapple rasam. Stay tuned for more varieties of rasam.

Ingredients:

• Toor dhal-1/2 cup
• Coriander seeds-1 cup
• Cumin Seeds-3/4 cup
• Red chillies-10
• Hing-A small piece
• Pepper-1/2 cup

I have taken lesser quantity than specified.

Procedure:

1.Remove impurities from the ingredients.

2.Dry roast toor dhal,red chilly and hing together in medium flame.

3.Dry roast coriander seeds till aroma arises and set it aside.

4.Dry roast Pepper and cumin seeds till they tend to pop.

5.Let all dry roasted ingredients get cooled.

6.Add it to a dry mixer jar and make a coarse powder.

7.Spread it in a plate.

8.Store it in an air tight container after they completely cool down.

---

P.S:

You can skip red chillies if you wish,especially when you make for babies.

This can be stored for 3 months in room temperature. However I prefer to  make it once in 15 days.

Always have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food.

Do you like my recipe? If yes please do not forget to stay tuned with me by following by blog here and liking my facebook page at www.facebook.com?KitchenKathukutty. Do share this with your kith and kin. Do feel free to write to at kitchenkathukutty@gmail.com for any queries

MOONG DHAL CHILLA|UTHAPPAM|PAN CAKE

Moong dhal is an excellent source of protein and it is comparatively less gastric in nature . This is the reason it becomes one of the first foods for babies. Cooking moong dhal is so easy and quick. making pesarattu with green gram is a very common menu in my cooking and I tried uthappam as I wanted to make veg version of omelette. Most recipes used besan. I was little hesitant to make a try with besan/gram dhal flour hence I made it with moong dhal. I tried making crispy dosa with these ingredients. You can try it too for your little one. Check recipe here.

Do you like my recipe? If yes please do not forget to stay tuned with me by following by blog here and liking my facebook page at www.facebook.com?KitchenKathukutty. Do share this with your kith and kin. Do feel free to write to at kitchenkathukutty@gmail.com for any queries

Ingredients:

• Moong dhal-1 cup
• Urad dhal-Handful
• Salt-To taste
• Oil-To cook
• Chilly powder-1 tsp
• Chopped veggies-1 cup
• Hing-A pinch

Procedure:

1.Wash and soak moong dhal and urad dhal for 1 hour to 3 hours.

2.Drain the water and make a smooth batter without adding water.

3.Add salt and mix well.

4.In a pan,add oil and fry the vegetables,curry leaves. I used only onion and tomato.

5.When they turn soft add hing and chilly powder and mix well.

6.Add this to the batter and mix well.

7.Heat a dosa pan,grease with oil.

8.Spread the batter evenly and close it with a lid.

9.Flip sides and cook the other side too.

10.Repeat the same with rest of the batter.

11.Serve it hot with coconut chutney.

---

P.S:

You can add vegetables of your choice.

The batter has to be thick.

Cook in medium flame.

You can skip frying the veggies too.

Skip salt for babies below one year.

This can be your baby’s food post eight months.

Always have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food to your baby.

RED POHA SWEET PONGAL|AVAL PONGAL|POHA HALWA

Poha/flattened rice/beaten rice/aval is an excellent food options loaded with iron and Vitamin B. It is one of the world’s first fast food and my mother makes a variety of dishes ranging from a rich breakfast to a simple chatpata snack in jiffy. Red poha is made from brown rice and it is more beneficial as the bran is not removed. Poha is one of the healthiest baby food options and it helps in healthy weight gain for babies. Here is a sweet festive recipe which can be your baby’s meal  or guest sweet/dessert or festive recipe or quick snack to munch on.

Do not forget to share this recipe among your kith and kin. Do like my page in facebook at www.facebook.com/KitchenKathukutty and follow my blog here to catch my recipes live

Ingredients:

• Red Poha-1 cup(thick)
• Jaggery-3/4 cup(grated)
• Ghee-3 tbsp
• Dry fruits-1 tbsp

Procedure:

1.Add a spoon of ghee in a pan and roast the dry fruits and set them aside.

2.In the same pan add the poha and roast it well.

3.Boil some water(I used two cups of water) and add the roasted poha to it.

4.In the mean time dissolve jaggery in water and strain the impurities.

5.When the poha is 90% cooked add the strained jaggery water to poha and stir well.

6.Add the remaining ghee and keep stirring till it thickens.

7.Serve it hot after adding the roasted dry fruits.

---

P.S:

The colour depends on jaggery used.

You can use normal white poha too.

Add water depending on the variety of poha.

Add water to jaggery to just dissolve it. Do add more water.

Add the jaggery mixed water after you ensure that the poha is cooked well.

The water requirement for cooking red poha is little more than white poha.

While offering babies less than one year you can use dates syrup to sweeten. It is better to avoid jaggery.

Always have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food and do consider family history of allergies.

You can also cook this like kheer/payasam in a flowing constiencty

Or you can add coconut milk to this and make it a kheer or payasam.

To speed up the cooking you powder the roasted poha and then cook.

I avoid adding milk to poha fearing the combination of iron and calcium.

ALMOND TURNIP SOUP-A creamy soup treat

When it comes to soups my choice has always been for a thick soup which is creamy. I mostly opt for sweet corn soups or beet root soup . My son totally hates soups and every variety of soup which I had tried for me would ultimately be my meal. But this turnip soup was just loved by him and he made me a happy mommy. The recipe was suggested by my friend Sweatha Ravi, and it was lying in my to-do-list for more than 6 months. I rarely had chance to get turnips. That’s one reason and next was my laziness. I am sorry,I forgot to click the turnips due to power failure the other day.I slightly altered the recipe to suit me and my family. Hope you also love it. Do not forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Follow my blog here to receive live updates in your mail box or like my page at www.facebook.com/KitchenKathukutty

Ingredients:

• Turnip-1 small
• Potato-A small piece
• Garlic-4
• Hing-A pinch
• Pepper powder-1/4 tsp
• Cumin powder-1/4 tsp
• Almonds-15
• Ghee-1 tsp
• Raisins-3
• Salt-To taste

Procedure:

1.Soak almonds and raisins over night.

2.Wash,peel skin and steam cook turnip,garlic and potatoes well.

3.Peel the skin of almonds and make a fine paste out of them & raisins.

4.Cool the steam cooked veggies and mash them well.

5.In a pan,add ghee and saute the veggies paste for 2 minutes

6.Add the almond paste and half cup of water and let it boil for five minutes.

7.When it begins to boil add hing,salt,pepper and cumin powder and mix well.

8.Switch it off and serve it luke warm.

---

P.S:

You can add a green chilly while steam cooking veggies if you look for a spicy version

Cooking turnip with potato helps in removing the smell of turnip and you would not hate turnips from now on.

You can also add beetroot or carrot or beans with this.

I added raisins just for a change. You can skip if you wish to.

The soup has to boil until the raw smell of almond and turnip leaves.

Adding water is as per choice of thickness.

You can also use a mixer/blender to mash veggies.

This is recommended for babies above 8 months and you can skip almonds if you wish.

Ensure to have introduced almonds,turnips,potatoes prior before offering this soup to your baby.

Avoid salt for babies below one year.

Please have a word with your doctor before introducing any new food to babies.

---

TURNIP FOR BABIES:

Turnips can be introduced from 6 th month after consultation with your doctor. Few suggest this to be avoided till 8 months because of its gassy nature. To over come it please choose small and tender turnips and also cook with some garlic,hing and jeera. The smell of turnip after cooking and slight bitterness associated with it makes people stay away from this. To escape from it I would recommend you to cook them with potatoes and prefer choosing small,fresh,young turnips with green leaves and turnips which are white with tinges of purple/red/green. I have never had a bad experience with turnip with smell or taste. If you choose bigger turnips prefer to open cook so that the smelly gases get dissipated. Do consider your family history of allergies before introducing turnips.

Health benefits:

• Turnip is one vegetable which has the power to remove congestion because of its Vitamin C content. Hence this soup is best during cold and cough. Skip almonds in such a scernario.
• The Vitamin C and Zinc in Turnip helps in building babies immunity power.
• The dietary fiber helps in preventing constipation.

Nutrition information of turnip:

Vitamin C – 26.7 mg

Vitamin K – 6.7 mcg

Folate – 21 mcg

Potassium – 573 mg

Sodium – 16 mg

Calcium – 58 mg

Phosphorus – 108 mg

Magnesium – 45 mg

Iron – .9 mg

Reference:

babycentre.com

wholesomebabyfood.com